You Can Reduce Excess Estrogen with Supplement DIM

Many fertility issues are the result of having estrogen dominance in the body. There are many ways for the body to become estrogen dominant, including:

The environment

Eating non-organic meat

Stress

Processed soy foods

Chemicals in products

The good news is that there is now a natural way to rid the body of an overabundance of estrogen: a supplement called DIM.

What is DIM?

Scientist knew there were powerful nutrients in crucifers like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and rutabaga, but until they began to isolate the various phytonutrients, they didn’t realize just how important they were. One of the plant nutrients discovered was DIM, which stands for diindolylmethane. It comes from the plant chemical I3C short for indole-3-carbinol.

To get just 10-30 mg of DIM you would have to eat one-and-a-half pounds of cruciferous vegetables!

Diindolylmethane releases in the stomach after you chew and swallow the vegetables. It balances the hormones and aids in the breakdown of estrogen. Estrogen dominance is a major cause of the fertility issues women face today. Endometriosis, PCOS, and Ovarian Cysts, are all estrogen dominant conditions.

DIM also helps men. Both men and women’s bodies can experience estrogen dominance. Men’s estrogen increases with age and is subject to the same estrogen balance problems a female body may face, including improper metabolism of estrogen.

Women having troubles becoming pregnant may benefit from the hormone balancing actions of DIM.

Signs of Estrogen Dominance:

PMS

Cramps

Fibroids

Endometriosis

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Ovarian cysts

Recurrent miscarriage

PCOS

Lack of ovulation

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen and progesterone work in unison for the body’s benefit. As people age, their hormone levels reduce, particularly for women during the perimenopause stage and beyond. The levels of progesterone decrease faster than estrogen. This decrease may create an imbalance in hormone levels.

Younger women can also suffer from hormone imbalance. During a normal menstrual cycle, when the egg releases at ovulation, the empty follicle changes to the corpus luteum, which is the place that produces progesterone. If something goes wrong, it may not produce enough progesterone. When you consider that progesterone is necessary for womb maintenance, you will realize the potential harm that a reduction in progesterone might have on the developing fetus or fertility.

Many factors contribute to the development of estrogen dominance. Obesity is one of the factors. The ovaries produce androstenedione, which is a male hormone. Fat cells change those hormones to estrogen. Pesticides, estrogen in animal food supplies, stress and high intake of caffeine also are factors attributed to estrogen dominance.

Studies now link infertility to estrogen dominance by disrupting the process of ovulation and in some cases lowering a man’s sperm count or causing poor sperm health. Estrogen dominance plays a key role in the development and proliferation of endometriosis, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, which are all issues that can dramatically affect fertility.

How to Use DIM to Reduce Excess Estrogen

DIM is found in vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, but in order to get just 10-30 mg of DIM you would have to eat one-and-a-half pounds of these cruciferous vegetables! While that amount is better than none, it is not the therapeutic dosage. Most experts recommend taking 100 to 200 mg of DIM a day.

Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula and Massage Therapist specializing in fertility massage. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir’s research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people, currently averaging at over 1,000,000+ readers per month. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.

Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull M.D., OB/GYN

Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull is a University-trained Obstetrician/Gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She delivered over 2000 babies and specializes in gynecologic diseases such as menstrual disorders, infertility diagnosis and treatment especially pertaining to tubal blockage and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Langdon is the inventor of 6 patent pending medical devices, and attended Ohio State University from 1987-1995 receiving her Medical Doctorate Degree (M.D.) with Honors in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Comments

Let your voice be heard... Leave a brief comment or question related to this article.

[-] 136 Comments

DIM has helped my cystic acne so much and after 4 years of trying, I got pregnant after only taking it for the last 3 months! It made my periods more regular and clearly helped my erratic hormones. I’m wondering if I can continue to take it while pregnant, as I fear that if I stop, my hormones will go crazy again and I’ll have a miscarriage. Since I wasn’t ever able to get pregnant before, this obviously helped and I’m scared my acne will come back and I won’t be able to carry a baby if I stop. I also know if I tell my dr she’ll have no idea what I’m talking about and since there’s not a ton of evidence she’ll tell me to stop. I want to keep taking it, is that safe?

The body is amazing and most of the time does exactly what it needs to stay balanced in pregnancy, even when natural therapies are used to help achieve pregnancy. It is my understanding that the safety of DIM in pregnancy has not been well established. We can not suggest continuing it in pregnancy. You might choose to work one on one with a natural health practitioner (herbalist, naturopath or midwife) who can support and monitor you, but I can’t know if they will approve of its use either. If you have a history of miscarriage, it would be very important to reach out to a practitioner to work with one on one.

Is it ok to continue taking DIM (have been on for 4 months already) now that my Dr. has prescribed progesterone (taking both oral + suppository) and estrogen Rx? And to ask in advance of starting Clomid or Letrozole, is it ok to take with those as well? Thank you!

Hi
I am trying to get pregnant, and started taking Dim.. I am also using progesterone cream to help my luteal phase (I have spotting a few days before my period starts) and Fertiassist to help with fertility. yes DIM have an adverse reaction with other supplements?

I can not know this. Each woman who takes it is so different. Metabolizing excess estrogen and hormonal balance are not things the body can do immediately even with the help of natural therapies. Balance takes time!

Saw Palmetto combined well with Maca and can be taken with DIM, FibroDefense and many other herbs. Saw Palmetto is strengthening for the body tissues, aiding in proper formation and function of the uterine cells which is often needed for uterine health for some women with estrogen dominance. Saw Palmetto does not have a direct action on estrogen.

I have been diagnosed with endometriosis and fibroids. I used to get very bad PMS symptoms every month and have a very short and light cycle when it starts.( Nauseous feeling approaching my cycle and changes in bowel movements). I’ve been taking vitex, multi-vitamins, iron ( tested for very low iron), vitamin D3 ( tested very low ), fish oil and have seen a significant change. However, I’ve been taking DIM since 3/9/2018 and my cycle was suppose to start on 3/21/2018. I have NEVER been late on my cycle since 9yrs old. We have been trying to conceive for the last 4 years and never been late or missed a period. Is this due to DIM? Should I stop taking it?
Thank you!

First, because you shared you have been trying to conceive and your period is late, it would be best to test for pregnancy.

If you are not pregnant, theoretically the DIM could be at play. I have not seem DIM stop a period, but what be happening is the increased efficiency of excess estrogen metabolism causing temporary cycle shifts. While a cycle shift is alarming, I know, it is actually a good sign the the body is using the DIM. If you feel you need DIM’s benefits, it may be best to continue for a minimum of three cycles while working to stay hydrated, exercise regularly and consider gentle abdominal massage. If you learn you are pregnant, it is best stopped.

Thank you very much Elizabeth for you response. I took a pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE for the first time. I’m a little worried because I’m not sure if it was the DIM added and I’m scared to completely stop. I’ve never been pregnant before

I’ve been trying to get pregnant for many months and bloodwork shows I have adrenal fatigue (super low cortisol levels) so my naturopathic put me on DHEA. Would there be any issue taking DIM with the DHEA?

Hi, I’m 34, have PCOS from the beginning of my periods, never have been pregnant. I was on a a Birth control for ~8 years, from my 23 to 31, then I quit that to watch my natural periods and to prepare to the pregnancy. During the transition period I helped my body with natural remedies and therapy (like Ayurvedic treatments, herbal medicines etc.), and my cycles became more less regular with 31-34d, but with PCOS symptoms – the one growing ovarian cyst and many smaller ones. During the past 2 years the cyst has grown from 41×37 to 67×34, and my gyn insists on surgery or taking OCP. I don’t want to do anything of that and looking for some natural solution. Could you recommend DIM in my case?

I’m 53 years old and have had irregular heavy periods. I have fibroid tumors and recently had a hystroscopy for the removal of a polyp and also had a D&C done at the same time. Pathology report came back as Complex Endrometrial Hyperplasia without Atypia. Current physician suggest the use of a Mirena IUD as she said I am an estrogen carrier and the IUD will disperse progesterone as needed. I really don’t want an IUD at my age. Do you think it would be better for me to try DIM?

It is common to have cycle shifts at age 53 and for many the accompanying issues you share. If you are not feeling comfortable about an IUD, talk to your doctor about DIM and using a natural progesterone cream, or work to find a practitioner who supports a more natural approach, someone near you.

I hope you find a solution that feels right and provides you relief and balance!

I began supplementing DIM a month ago to help my cystic acne. I have PCOS with regular anovulatory cycles (30-31 days), severe acne and hirsutism. Within the 30 days of DIM, I’ve noticed an amazing reduction in my acne; which I’m beyond thrilled about as nothing else has worked for me. However, I had some mid-cycle cramping and minor spotting, pain and swelling in my breasts and an 8lb. weight gain. I’m 5ft 6in and normally between 120-125lbs. I’m also not sleeping well at night; waking up at 3am every night. I’m not on BC or any other supplements. Are these normal reactions to the DIM or should I discontinue use? Thank you.

What I speculate is that rather than this being a reaction to DIM, it is more likely hormonal shifts and the body working to balance hormones because excess estrogen is being metabolized. Mid-cycle cramping and spotting could have been ovulation. I know many women who sleep poorly and transition through the luteal phase with some pain and breast swelling (PMS).

It may be worth also cutting back a bit on DIM to see how that changes things as you incorporate more natural therapies. If what you are experiencing to not shift as your cycle ends and a new one begins or subside as you begin other natural therapies, it would be my best advice to reach out to a practitioner near you who can support you; an herbalist, naturopath, etc.

I am researching DIM for my 19 yr old daughter. She is on Birth control because when she started her period at 15 she bled non stop heavy for three months straight. she was put on a progesterone pill for 10 days and when stopped it started bleeding again, did another 10 days bleeding stopped and once start bleeding. The gyn put her on regular birth control and for three month she was normal, but bad cramps and heavy bleeding during period. The gyn then said to just take the bc pills none stop and skip periods. that really has screwed her up. She has been tested for hormone levels and she is low on progesterone. I am wondering if DIM would help her. she has bad acne flares, hair loss

I’m sorry to hear this! My wish is that every girl’s transition to being a woman was easy, not challenging!

With that, it may be best actually to work with a naturopath near you if you wish for a more natural approach to hormonal balance for her.

Some tips though to try to reduce period pain/PMS: avoid consuming processed foods, dairy and refined sugar the week before a period (soda, candy, baked goods, white rice, pasta). Learn about the benefits of a whole food multivitamin and quality omega supplement like Evening Primrose Oil and Cod Liver Oil. Have her include cruciferous veggies in her diet and lots of fiber (whole vegetables and fruits). Iron may be key for her too if she is feeling sluggish, tired, low energy. She could consider smoothies with superfoods like a greens powder, avocado, Royal Jelly. It’s also important to exercise daily and try to move in order to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).

When all those areas are addressed and being worked on, DIM has the potential to help the body properly process/metabolize excess estrogen. It may be worth learning about the herb Vitex as well (although we can’t suggest either with birth control unless her healthcare provider okays it).

I would agree that birth control non-stop at age 19 is not the answer, but I can also image how troublesome such bleeding is for her. I hope you find a practitioner who will help you get to the bottom of this and create a program for her that boosts her health rather than tricks the body into action.

Hi,
I recently came off my birth control pill and I’ve experience a rapid weight gain with the most stubborn fat ever! lol not as easy to lose as it used to be while on the pill. I’ve also experience breakouts all over my face, chest and back. I’m trying to get pregnant, not as easier as i thought as well lol. Anyhow, would you recommend DIM for someone in my situation?

I’m sorry this is happening! While DIM is worth learning more about, I truly suggest starting here: How to Balance Your Hormones After Birth Control. Trust your body will return to balance and that guide will help you learn how to do that if you wish for a natural approach to balance.

Thank you for this article. I just discovered this website and am learning so much. I have been TTC for over a year now. I am fit, have a healthy BMI, exercise, eat a very low processed, nutrient dense diet, meditate, etc. Despite this, I struggle with acne, horrible PMS, endometriosis, and cramps. No doctor has ever suggested estrogen dominance, but it sounds just like me. I am excited to try DIM + vitex and see what happens. Thank you for all the resources and content. I’d much rather try a more natural route first.

Fertility Products

Company Info

Disclaimer: The information on Natural Fertility Info.com is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Hethir Rodriguez and her community. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.